By our reporter
Recruits at the Nigeria Police Force Training School in Yelwa, Bauchi State, have accused officials of demanding as much as ₦250,000 for uniforms, boots, and kits that are supposed to be issued free of charge.
Some trainees, who spoke anonymously, described the demand as a heavy financial burden on their families. They alleged that while uniforms were distributed, the quality was poor, forcing them to buy extra sets within the school. Boots, they added, were usually only issued after graduation.
The allegation surfaced after lawyer, Barrister Lawal Ishaq, revealed that a woman approached him for financial assistance for her son in training. According to Ishaq, the recruit confirmed that he was asked to pay ₦250,000 for uniforms and kits. The lawyer warned that such financial pressures could predispose recruits to corruption once they assume duty.
However, the Commandant of the training school, Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdullahi Umar Tambuwal, denied the claims. He insisted that uniforms and kits were provided free, along with daily meals, and described the allegations as false. Tambuwal nonetheless promised an investigation and warned that any officer found guilty of extortion would be sanctioned.
The allegations have raised wider concerns about the welfare of police recruits and the risk that financial exploitation during training could undermine the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.
